leather strap maintenance

[Grigio]

hi, guys!
I had an unpleasant experience with my previous leather strap reps and now I bought another watch, also with a leather strap, and somehow I'm afraid of undergoing the experience I've already gone through.

My first rep was Patek Philippe 5119G Calatrava. And I know that its leather strap was damaged only because of me. I was lucky enough to have a good rep, it worked and still works perfectly. However, I often left it in the sun, without thinking that the leather strap would get damaged. The texture got so dry that it started to crumble after a certain time. I even didn't care much to maintain and process it properly. Recently, I bought an IWC IW377701 Pilots rep in Stainless Steel with a leather strap. but I'm afraid that it won't end up in the condition that Patek has ended. Of course, I'll take more care of the watch and the leather strap. But I need your help to know how you maintain the strap so that they are preserved over time.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[StatusQUO]

if I'm honest, I've had only a few watches with leather straps, I mostly wear the ones that have a metal bracelet.
but I remember how my grandpa always told me the 3 rules that specifically referred to leather straps:
- I have to make sure that no area of the leather strap is bent or pulled back more than necessary each time when I take off or put the watch on my wrist;

- he always scolded me if he saw that i was pulling or stretching the strap excessively to get the tang through the buckle hole. He said that in this way the leather of the strap is damaged;

-when he changed his straps, he always said that it is good to make sure that both straps were flat, you should never keep the straps in a position other than flat.

I never got to test these ideas in practice, but I think my grandfather didn't teach me the wrong way))) so I hope it helps you

 

[HahREF5583468]

are you sure that the straps of your reps are as good as you claim? crumbling straps do not speak of high quality, actually.....

in any case, I know the feeling when you see how a strap gets damages right in format of your eyes.... I had straps that I wanted to save from aging. I used mink oil but no absorption effect. they were damaged only from the fact that I was sweating throughout the day... so, also interested in the topic...

 

[dancerINTHEdark]

are you sure that the straps of your reps are as good as you claim? crumbling straps do not speak of high quality, actually.....

in any case, I know the feeling when you see how a strap gets damages right in format of your eyes.... I had straps that I wanted to save from aging. I used mink oil but no absorption effect. they were damaged only from the fact that I was sweating throughout the day... so, also interested in the topic...

Are you sure you have kept the oil enough time on your strap? It is not necessary to fully absorb it to understand that it had an effect. It's normal for a certain amount to remain on the surface, because after all, no one talks about 100% absorption...

I usually use this oil for shoes. And after application, I leave it overnight for it to take effect. then, I removed what was left by bryshing the excess off the shoes. and even if I wear them, they tend to turn something similar to white haze, I suppose it's from the heat of the body that pulls out the oil... either way, I think that pure mink oil is a bit too much for a watch leather strap... it's very concentrated, and something containing a smaller proportion might be enough, in combination with other softening components. Saphir Renovateur might help... but I don't know how affected your strap is
as a prevention method, I think it's more than enough

 

[Cincinnati]

a neighbor recommended the leather conditioner to me a couple of years ago. different manufacturers make it, and they all make magic. Following the instructions, I apply the conditioner on both sides of the leather strap and leave it on for about 2 hours. after, I remove the excess and it looks wonderful, without too oily surfaces.
What I noticed is that the strap does not dry very quickly, and I wash my hands several times a day thoroughly. `So, I assume that the conditioner is working well. Now I use Bick's #4 conditioner, but I have used others, and they worked similalry great. I don't know what effect it would have on a very dry and very damaged strap. But if your watch is new, this is the perfect solution to prevent dryness.
And one more thing, for several years now I don't wear watches with leather straps during hot days. I also recommend it to you, because it saves you from additional stress. Opt for something made of metal or canvas, it's much more practical.

I hope to be of help

 

[HorsePower]

you have to be very careful when choosing the substance for your leather strap maintenance. Some of them that are very fat are likely to reduce stiffness and also to change the look of the strap.

Others, such as those based on wax, will maintain the look, but will not have any impact on stiffness. when you choose a certain conditioner, you might come across one with these negative reactions and unwanted effects. that's why it's better to go for a certain brand that is recommended to you with confidence

 

[Moderatto]

I don't know much about leather conditioning. but I know exactly what YOU SHOULD NOT DO!!! you must not take anything that IS NOT INTENDED for watch straps. For example, something that is intended for furniture leather. Maybe they will bring the watch leather strap to an optimal condition, but you can get a severe skin irritation afterwards. I know real cases where friends of mine had such an impact.

 

[Ocean BLUE]

I don't know much about leather conditioning. but I know exactly what YOU SHOULD NOT DO!!! you must not take anything that IS NOT INTENDED for watch straps. For example, something that is intended for furniture leather. Maybe they will bring the watch leather strap to an optimal condition, but you can get a severe skin irritation afterwards. I know real cases where friends of mine had such an impact.

for REAL???????
WHAT WAS IN THEIR HEAD TO USE SUCH CHEMISTRY? it is quite clear that the concentration of toxic components is much higher in such substances... and I am sure that this is written on the instructions for use


to be honest, I love the way the leather straps look and behave after being treated with the cheapest lip balm. Im serious, these products do not contain harmful components, being for the lips. and I know for sure that it does not cause allergies or irritation. I apply it as the other solutions are applied. apply, leave for 1-2 hours, then remove the residues

 

[DBP]

I'm curious to read here how people invent various protection methods, when in fact the manufacturers recommend optimal solutions, without such extreme methods as toxic chemicals . Most manufacturers recommend the following procedure:
1. cleaning straps. you must remove any residue, dust and dirt before applying any moisture solution;
2. washing them. you can use warm water, with a bit of gentle soap that doesn't dry too much.
3. the straps must be dried well. Here it is important to note that it is not recommended to put the product on heat sources or under the sunlight. it is also not recommended to use a hair dryer. They must dry naturally.
4 ``only after this do you apply solutions such as conditioner for leather. This procedure should be done regularly, but not very often.

As for solutions for furniture, some manufacturers suggest that they could also be used for watch straps. so it is important to read the instructions

 

[PreciousJohn]

I always try to wear the straps as loose as possible so that enough air circulates and does not absorb transpiration from the wrist. I remember that the dealer suggested not to apply any kind of cream on my hand, so that it does not soak into the leather strap. so far, i haven't had any problems with the watch strap and it still looks really good. I never cleaned it myself, I always had it cleaned by an expert. I know that the specialist uses a special conditioner, but unfortunately I don't know the name. in any case, until now, with periodic cleaning and conditioner, the strap looks like new

 

[BusyAsHell]

I don't like leather straps... they are so sensitive to heat, sweat, light, etc... they give me more headaches than satisfaction

I had only one watch with a leather strap. It was the first and the last. thank God that nowadays you can find plenty of elegant and dress options, not necessarily with leather straps.....

either way, all I did was process it with a special conditioner (I don't remember the name, I know it was conditioner for leather straps). I processed it once a week, even if I wore it occasionally. the strap lasted quite a long time. a few years, 7-8 it seems to me. the mechanism broke but the strap still was lookin' pretty good.
that's about all I know about their maintenance...if it helps...

 

[Rochdale]

honestly, I don't really care about leather straps, except for the fact that I keep them away from sunlight and avoid wearing them in summer when it's too hot, only if I have a special occasion.... all the watches I've had with leather straps I wear either at the office, where it is not exposed to heat.... in the summer I wear metal or rubber bracelets... the cases usually age naturally over time, so does the leather strap... and somehow, a worn strap looks pretty nice on a worn watch, ,,, somehow they look vi9ntage and I don't see a great need to maintain them in a certain way... maybe I'm not doing it right, but I don't concern too much about it.... 🫣🫣🫣🫣🫣

 

[Maric]

I try not to expose the leather strap watch to the sun. I know that this would kill the leather band. For the rest, I don't do anything special. however, I take the watch for cleaning and polishing about once a year. the specialists treat it with special balms and the leather is preserved quite well.

ah yes, and I don't really wear the leather watch in the summer )))))) I think I should lubricate it with conditioner from time to time; maybe once a year is too little) but at least, it seems to be enough so far

 

[HahREF5583468]

I try not to expose the leather strap watch to the sun. I know that this would kill the leather band. For the rest, I don't do anything special. however, I take the watch for cleaning and polishing about once a year. the specialists treat it with special balms and the leather is preserved quite well.

ah yes, and I don't really wear the leather watch in the summer )))))) I think I should lubricate it with conditioner from time to time; maybe once a year is too little) but at least, it seems to be enough so far

lucky you that your strap was not damaged. I don't know by what miracle it survived. father has a 20-year-old leather strap breguet and it looks like new only because he takes care of it. He does not wear it often because it is authentic and he is afraid of damaging it. but he regularly takes it to the service so that the leather strap can be processed. I think that it is precisely for this reason that the strap looks so good even today. it is the result of special balms that repairmen apply

 

[Drinky]

leather fat or leather spray is the right way to go. these soften the leather of the strap well and preserve it in an optimal condition, keeping its elasticity and fresh look... I recommend avoiding soap... I made the mistake of treating the leather strap with soap and this only caused strip on the leahter.... many say that such an effect is only possible with harsh soaps. but I used a gentle one, and strips appeared anyway

 

[Encantadore59935]

leather strap watches are like leather boots or leather bags. if you keep them in the sun, warm, and you don't treat them, clean them, embalm them properly, you just have to watch them dry, crack, and fall apart. if you love your watch, you will also love to take care of the leather strap

 

[BenStone]

straps need maintenance!!!!!!
especially if it's a leather one!!!!
the leather has the property of drying over time if it is not adequately hydrated. and the sun's rays are proven to impact its structure. you can ignore the hydration, but don't complain too late that the leather strap is of poor quality. it's not, it's just the result of neglecting it. if you are lazy and find it difficult to treat it properly, take the watch to a repair shop from time to time. it is not expensive at all to treat it properly and you will have a leather strap like brand new every time

 

[Michelangelo]

hydration, hydration and hydration again. also, periodic cleaning. keep in mind that the skin sweats and all the sweat soaks into the leather strap structure. sweat contains salts and these damage the structure of the strap on the long run.

it dries out and the salts make the texture stiff. Over time, the leather will deteriorate to the extent that it will crack and split. if you are ok with such an outcome, you just have to ignore cleaning and moisturizing your leather strap

 

[Perpetual]

I like how people make the difference between watches with metal bracelets and those with leather straps... why do people think there should be any difference?!

stainless steel bracelets need cleaning, the dirt between the links has to be removed, polishing, etc..., and everybody does it. So why wouldn't a leather strap need care? sweat, heat, the sun, all affect their texture... so, you have to take care of them accordingly... if you don't know how, just take it to a specialist

 

[GeorgeClintonBiden]

got this EMIT The Viscount Swiss Made Watch some time ago. the picture is a symbol, I couldn't make one with my authentic watch because I left it in the holiday home... either way, the strap looks like new even though the watch has already served me for half a year, if not quite more.... the only thing that upsets me a little is that it seems to me that it is a bit tight compared to how it was initially. as if the leather has contracted... but it's my fault because at the beginning of summer I left it near the window and I assume that the sun's rays dried it... I took it to the specialist many times and treated it with balms special for hydration. thanks god the strap has been kept in ideal condition, only it is a little shorter than it was....

the idea is that they should be treated properly. otherwise they deteriorate and have to be changed over time